Sign language empowers children with disabilities in Indonesia
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Indonesia’s Minister for Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection, Arifah, stated that access to sign language is essential for protecting children with disabilities and upholding their rights.
She made this announcement during the 2026 International Day of Sign Languages Campaign, emphasizing that communication access affects children’s education, social lives, and ability to report abuse. Arifah explained that children need to be able to communicate feelings of discomfort or danger, and report bullying or violence.
The ministry is working to ensure women and children with disabilities have equal access to protection services, including the SAPA 129 hotline. Iwan Satriyawan Setyohadi, an Indonesian Sign Language instructor, clarified that Indonesian Sign Language (Bisindo) is a unique language with its own grammar, differing from other sign languages. He stressed that learning Bisindo fosters understanding of deaf culture and creates a more inclusive society, allowing for better communication between deaf individuals and the wider community.
